Cartons



Jan. 9, 1968 K. D. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS 7 Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 3 4 I 36 46 /0 hjz jo fg U M INVENT OR mwslw ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 Kb. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet we /6'Z j ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K. o. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS I Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 \fim. LQ-rcecks ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K. D. BIXL ER CARTONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 16, 1966 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K. D. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 16, 1966 144 m2 m4 F/G. /5 m4 /44 //4 BY fiMQF OCK-S A] ICRNEY Jan. 9, 1968 v Filed Aug. 16, 1966 K o. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS l2 Sheets-Sheet z I o E INVI YINTOR BY fig, U raw.

I ATTORNEY K. D. BIXLER Jan. 9, 1968 CARTONS l2 Sheets-Sheet 2/0 Filed Aug. 16, 1966 Kb .F-Zau:

m F/G. 24

ATTORNEY Jan. '9, 1968 K D. B X R 3,362,605

CARTONS Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 sheets-skeet g INVENTOR ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K D. BIXLER 7 3,362,605

CARTONS Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 1O INVENTOR BY M. U x-xp ax" 524 ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K. D. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS Filed Aug. 16, 1966 12 Sheets-Sheet 11 ATTORNEY Jan. 9, 1968 K. D. BIXLER 3,362,605

CARTONS Filed Aug. 16, 1966 l2 Sheets-Sheet 12 IN ENTOR \M a BW BY f" V \d u Ma ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 9, 1968 3,362,605 CARTONS Kenneth D. Bixler, Huntington, N.Y., assignor to Diamond International Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 16, 1966, Ser. No. 572,719 21 Claims. (Cl. 2292.5)

This invention relates generally to containers for packaging relatively fragile articles such as eggs or the like, and is more particularly directed to improvements in the cover of a container and the manner in which the cover cooperates with a cellular tray.

The packaging containers of the present invention may be produced from various suitable packaging materials which include, by way of example, pulp and plastics. Producing the packaging container of molded pulp, the suction forming process may be utilized wherein the pulp fibers are sucked from a slurry of fibers onto a shaped screen. Plastics, such as thermoplastics, may be injection molded. Extruded sheets of thermoplastic may be vacuum formed. Foam thermoplastics may be utilized and molded into packaging containers of the present invention by extruding a foam sheet which is then vacuum formed into shape.

Packaging of fragile articles involves the balancing of factors which include the amount of structure which goes toward the functional protection of the articles and the amount of material utilized which has to do with the economics of packaging.

' In the consideration of the elements involving the protection of the articles to be packaged, it is a desideratum to attempt to eliminate article breakage during handling and transit, minimize rattling of the packaged articles, arrange the articles in a readily accessible position for removal from the container, etc.

Economic considerations involve presenting the packaged articles in a manner to their most salable advantage and containing the packaged articles with the greatest amount of protection in proportion to the quantity of material utilized in the container and so fashioning the container so that its manufacture can be effected in an eflicient and facile way.

' To a great extent or considerable degree, packaging containers of the prior art have relied on the nature or physical character of the material from which the containers are produced in order to protect the fragile articles. Qbjects of the present invention include: To provide an improved container including a tray and cover which utilizes the container cover structure in relation to the tray to such an advantage as to materially enhance the normal protection afforded by physical characteristics of the material from which the container is produced; to utilize structural formations in a container to such advantage that the strength per unit of material is increased to provide a container which minimizes article breaking, yet preserves the articles at optimum accessibility for removal from the container; to provide a container having a cover essentially incorporating structural beams or channels which protectively pocket or enclose upper portions of fragile articles disposed in a cellular tray of the container; to provide a container having a cover essentially incorporating structural beams which include structure protectively pocketing upper ends of fragile articles and including structure whereby egg rattle is substantially inhibited in all directions; to provide a container having structural beams of the character mentioned above and in which the beams and a cooperating tray are so constructed and arranged to permit the carton to be separated to form a plurality of sub-cartons; to provide a container having a cover of the character mentioned above in which the cover is of such a structure and strength that windows extending transversely across adjacent cells and into walls of the beams not only afford visual access to such an extent that two articles in the adjacent underlying compartments can be substantially viewed but yet affords a structural integrity in the cover which permits such windows to be formed; to provide a container having a cover structure of the character set forth above in which the trays of the container may include hollow integral posts which may terminate above, below, or coincident with and/ or be varied in height with respect to the general upper margin of the tray of the container; to provide a multiple-beam type cover for a cellular tray in which functional load bearing characteristics and distribution of forces from the cover to the cellular tray may be transmitted and distributed to hollow posts of the container tray through intermediate struts and load bearing outer walls of the cover beams; to incorporate in a beam-type cover a structure which permits windows to be formed in the cover so the articles can be viewed without opening the container and yet retaining strength of the container and functional protection for the fragile packaged articles; to provide a structurally functioning cover which affords uniform and maximum article visibility to the purchaser, provides portions to accommodate a sales message, maintains article damage to a minimum, and provides a structural integrity and protection for the articles; to provide an inherently stable container which facilitates container stacking in packing cases without damage to the containers or packaged contents, permits the filled container to be readily handled by the consumer, lends itself to automation in loading and closing, and displays the packaged articles to their best advantage.

Other objects and the nature and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the novel tray looking downwardly at an angle from the vertical at the cover of the tray;

FIG. 1a is a perspective view looking from left to right down onto the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a plan view, on a reduced scale, looking at the container of FIG. 1 when it is open and showing the interior of the cover and the cellular tray of the container;

FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a transverse vertical section taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 5 is a transverse vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 55 of FIG. 2. and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 6 is a view in front elevation of the carton illus trated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 38 of FIG. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 1, and showing another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9a is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 1a, the cover being similar in outer appearance to the embodiment of FIG. 9 and incorporating certain features of the inner beam walls and connecting strut structure of FIG. 1a;

FIG. is a plan view, on a reduced scale, similar to FIG. 2 and looking into the cover and tray sections of the embodiment of FIG. 9 when the container is open;

FIG. 11 is a vertical section taken along line 1111 of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 12 is a vertical section taken along line 12-42 of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 13 is a vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 1313 of FIG. 10 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 14 is a view in front elevation of the container illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 11 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 1616 of FIG. 11 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 17 is a view in perspective, similar to FIGS. 1 and 9, showing a different embodiment of the container;

FIG. 17a is a perspective view looking from left to right down on the container of FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a top plan view, on a reduced scale, showing the container of FIG. 17 when it is open and looking into the tray and cover sections;

FIG. 19 is a transverse vertical section taken along lines 1919 of FIG. 17 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 20 is a transverse vertical section taken along line 2tl2il of FIG. 17 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 20a is a vertical sectional view, similar to FIG. 20, and showing an alternate embodiment of the carton in which the hollow tray posts terminate below the general peripheral margin of the tray and the cover structure has transverse terminal web portions that extend below the general peripheral tray margin when the container is closed;

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 21Z1 of FIG. 18 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 22 is a view in front elevation of the container illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 23 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 2323 of FIG. 19 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 24 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 19 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 25 is a view in perspective, similar to FIGS. 1, 9 and 17, showing still another embodiment;

FIG. 25a is a perspective view similar to FIG. 25 and showing still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25b is a perspective view, similar to FIGS. 25 and 25a showing a still further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view, on a reduced scale, looking into the cellular tray and cover of the container of FIG. 25;

FIG. 26a is a top plan view, on a reduced scale, looking into the cellular tray and cover of the container of FIG. 251:;

FIG. 27 is a vertical section taken along line 2727 of FIG. 25 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 27a is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 27a27a of FIG. 25a; 7

FIG. 28 is a vertical section taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 25 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 28a is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 2 8a28a of FIG. 25a;

FIG. 29 is a transverse vertical section, on an enlarged scale, taken along line 2929 of FIG. 26 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 30 is a view in front elevation of the container illustrated in FIG. 25;

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 3131 of FIG. 27 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 32 is a longitudinal vertical section taken along line 3232 of FIG. 27 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 33 is a schematic view showing a portion of a packing case in phantom lines, and generally illustrating the manner in which a plurality of the novel containers, for example see the embodiment of FIG. 1, may be conventionally stacked in a packing case so that the novel structure of the invention is utilized with attendant advantages; and

FIG. 34 is a fragmentary enlarged perspective view of a portion of the container of FIG. 1 illustrating an area generally enclosed by the continuous phantom line referenced at 34-34 in FIG. 1.

In all forms of the instant invention, there is provided a packaging container including a cellular tray and a cover cooperating therewith. The cellular tray generally comprises a plurality of hollow posts integral with hollow partitions and an outer wall defining compartments or cells surrounding the posts. The cover will cooperate with the tray and includes means whereby the cover may be displaced to permit ready access to the tray contents.

Although the disclosed exemplary embodiments include a locking structure and the cover is shown as being integrally connected to the cellular tray, such structure is merely for purposes of illustration. The novel container is of such a strength and character as to permit viewing windows to be formed in the tray cover without loss of functional strength and protection for the fragile articles in the packaging container. Each of the embodiments of the invention incorporates a plurality of channel-type or C-shaped hollow beams which are spaced from each other and extend in the same general direction and continuously span at least two adjacent compartments. The channel-type beams incorporate first or outer load-bearing walls, when vertical forces are imposed on the upper surface of the closed tray cover, and second or inner walls of the channel-type beams which may be integrally connected to struts and transverse bearing portions which may be engageable with upper ends of the hollow posts of the cellular tray. When vertical forces are imposed on the outer surface of the cover of the closed container, such forces are transmitted through the tray structure without deleterious strain being imparted to the fragile articles in the container.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and first consider"- ing FIGS. 1-8, 33 and 34, a packaging container is indicated generally at 10 and comprises a tray 12 and a cover 14 formed of suitable packaging material by a manufacturing process suitable for such formation. The tray 12 comprises a plurality of hollow posts 16 integrally connected to longitudinal and transverse hollow partition portions 18 and 20, respectively. The partition portions 18 and 20 are integrally connected to an outer wall portion 22 of the tray 12. The posts 16 together with partition portions 18 and 2t and the outer wall 24 of the bottom section 22 define a plurality of hollow cells or compartments 24 surrounding the posts 16.

In this embodiment of FIGS. 18, means are provided for displaceably connecting the cover 14 to the tray 12 for protecting the contents of the packaging container and yet permitting ready access to the tray contents. Though the cover 14 is disclosed as being integral-1y connected to the tray 12, the cover could be a separate element.

Displaceably connecting one edge of the tray 12 to an edge of the cover 14 is a hinge 26, and hingedly connected at 28 to an opposite edge of the tray 12 is a lock flap 30. The lock flap 30 may be displaceably positioned adjacent the inner surface of the cover 14, when the container is closed, as most clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, and cooperating lock portions are provided on the cover. The lock flap 30 and cooperating portions of the cover 14 are illustrated to show an example of a lockable container.

The tray outer wall 22 includes cover supporting portions 32 disposed inwardly at the peripheral margin thereof, and the hollow posts 16 include upper cover-supporting portions 34 for receiving forces which may be imposed on the cover 14 when the container is closed.

The cover 14 comprises at least a pair of channel-type beams indicated generally at 36 and 38. These beams extend in the same general direction and are hollow and continuously span at least two adjacent compartments 24 of the tray 12. Each of the beams 36 and 38 generally have a partially rotated C or inverted U-shaped cross-section and include a continuous top portion 40 and 40', respectively, at the top of the cover. This top portion of the beams conveniently provides means whereby indicia may be applied thereon to identify the packaged articles, etc., and further provides means permitting the container covers to be readily closed in an automated production line after the trays have been loaded with the fragile articles. The tops 40 and 40 are integral with first walls 42 and 42', respectively, and second depending walls 44 and 44', respectively. The first or outer walls 42 and 42', respectively include the spaced enlarged portions or undulations 46 and 46, respectively, which are generally in alignment with cells 24 of the tray when the tray is closed. It will be observed, that the second or inner walls 44 and 44', respectively, include partial enlargements or undulations 48 and 48, respectively, in opposed relation to the previously mentioned portions 46 and 46', respectively. The portions 46, 48 and 46, 48' provide in the beams 36 and 38, respective-1y, overlying the cells 24 and over which the beams continuously extend, caps or head room for the upper portions of the fragile articles F indicated by phantom lines in FIGS. 3 and 4 as well as in a sense provide a portion restricting excessive rattling of the articles.

The second walls 44, 44 are integrally connected adjacent their lower edges by integral members or elements 50 which comprise connecting struts confronting and/ or engageable on the upper support surfaces 34 of the hollow post 16. The lower edge portions of the first walls 42 and 42', respectively, engage on the upper cover-supporting portions 32 of the outer wall 22 of the container tray. The inherent strength afforded by the beams 36 and 38, in conjunction with the struts 50, is of such a character as to permit a filled container, which has been closed, to be lifted at one end, without any appreciable cover or carton sag or distortion of the container walls. Additionally, the functioning beams 36 and 38 afford the normal resistances to deflection afforded by channel-type hollow beams as well as providing an enclosure for the upper portions of the fragile articles.

In the case of eggs, which are conventionally packed in a container small-point-down, the larger portion of the eggs is generally weaker than the smaller pointed portion, and thus might be more susceptible to fracture. In any event, the channel-type beams in combination with arch-like connectors protect the upper ends of the fragile articles from crown crush which is a factor in packaging fragile articles such as eggs, as well as providing an unusual strength affording resistance to vertical forces imposed on a closed container cover whereby such vertical forces are transmitted through the cover to coversupporting portions 32 and 34 through the tray Walls to a support surface.

As a product of the unusual strength afforded by the channel-type beams 36 and 38, the inner Walls 44 and 44' of the beams may have formed therein windows or discrete apertures or openings 52 which span the adjacent cells 24 over which the beams 36 and 38 extend. These windows or openings 52 are preferably, but not necessarily, elliptically shaped and provide means whereby the consumer may readily observe the contents in the compartments 24. It will be noted that the second or inner walls 44 and 44' are at an optimum angle for consumerviewing of the container contents (see FIG. 1). The apertures or openings 52 are bordered by strength imparting marginal collar portions 54 which also serve as fenders or bumpers and may also be described as arch portions extending generally in a longitudinal direction between downwardly extending struts or integral members having transverse portions engaging the post cover-supporting portions 34.

The cover 14 includes marginal transverse members or outer end walls 56 integral with the first walls 42 and 42 of the beams 36 and 38, and cooperating therewith to define a complete outer margin for the cover. The walls 56 comprise first Walls of the transversely extending channel-type beams indicated generally at 58 and including second or inner walls 60. The walls 60 include therein a relatively large and yet peripherally bordered aperture 62 spanning continuously adjacent compartments 24 therebeneath.

It will be observed upon consideration of FIGS. 1 and 2 that the beams 36, 38 and 58 form a closed rectangular frame of channel-type beams which in a sense ruggedly reinforces the container cover in both longitudinal and transverse directions as Well as framing the portions of the cover disposed inwardly of the upper margins of the second Walls 44, 44' and 60 of the respective beams.

It will be noted that the upper cover-supporting surfaces 34 of the hollow posts 16 of the container tray 12 are generally disposed in a plane coincident with the upper cover-supporting portions of the tray outer Wall 22 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). However, the height of the hollow posts of the tray section may be varied and extend above the plane passing through the upper cover-supporting portions of the tray as evidenced in FIGS. 21-23 of another embodiment to subsequently be described in detail and the posts of a single tray may be of different heights.

In this regard, and as shown in FIG. 20, for example, which will subsequently be described in detail, the tray posts may be relatively short, i.e., terminate below the upper margin of the tray, and in this instance, the supports or web structure between the respective beams of the cover are so constructed to project down into the tray when the container is closed. The covers of the previously described embodiments afford such a strength and are of such a character as to permit the portion 50 thereof to be in confronting relation, but not necessarily in engagement, with the upper ends of the hollow posts of the tray when the container is closed.

A horizontal transverse dimension at the inner edges of the top portions 40 and 40' of the beams is so selected that as a practical matter when a closed and packed container is deposited at random in a shopping bag, for example, conventional cans or the like generally cannot project therein and thus damage the fragile articles. The arches or peripheral margins 54 strengthen the container cover and though permitting ready viewing of the container contents, they are so formed as to fend off the entry of objects into the openings 52 to protect the fragile articles from damage. The openings 52 present a relatively uniform appearance to the articles being viewed in a closed container and also provide means whereby refrigerated air may be caused to be passed into the closed container for the purpose of aiding to preserve the articles such as eggs and permitting more rapid cooling of the articles in the closed containers.

With respect to the peripheral margins 54 and the fending ofi of entry of objects into the openings or windows 52, it will be noted that the undulations 48 in conjunction with the peripheral margins 54 provide a fragmentary portion having a compound curve which inhibits both lateral and longitudinal rattling of fragile articles disposed in protected relationship within the hollow beams 36 and 38 when the container is closed. The windows or openings 52 may be produced, in any suitable manner, for example, as closed windows wherein a transparent panel overlies those portions to which the container contents can be viewed, and although these windows are below the top 40 of the respective channelbeams, the Windows could, within the scope of the invention, extend from the inner walls into a portion of the top 40.

Considering FIG. 33, for example, conventional packing cases in which egg cartons are generally packed and shipped are indicated by phantom lines at C. These cartons or containers are generally packed three in a row as indicated by I, II and III. Alternate rows are generally disposed in the same direction as indicated by I, II and III. Rows of containers between alternate rows are disposed at 90 or extend transversely with respect to the alternate rows as indicated at T in FIG. 33. It will be observed that the lower portions of the cells or compartments 24 of overlying rows of containers which are disposed transversely with respect to an underlying container are substantially complementary or are completely engaged on one of the channel-type beams 36 or 38 extending transversely thereof. It is clearly evident, that the channel-type beams of the improved cover structure will readily protect the fragile articles packaged in the containers upon which other containers are resting. Likewise, should the packing case C receive unusual shock or lateral blows, the containers will adequately protect the contents thereof. It will be further noted, even when the packed containers of the present invention are packed in a shipping case C, air can still circulate through the apertures formed in the lids thereof permitting air circulation and/or ready refrigeration.

All of the other embodiments to subsequently be described, may likewise function in the manner mentioned in detail with respect to FIGS. l-8 and 33.

Referring to FIGS. 9-16, another embodiment of the novel packaging container is indicated generally at 11th. This container includes a tray 112 and a cover 114. The tray 112 is of the same configuration as the tray 12 of the previously described embodiment of FIGS. l-8 and accordingly corresponding structure of the tray 112 will be identified by similar reference numerals used to identify the structure of tray 12 and repetition of explanation as to the structure and function is not made. Similarly, functioning structures will be identified with similar reference numerals but with a different hundreds number.

Referring to FIGS. 9-16, the tray 112 includes coversupporting surfaces at the upper edge of the outer wall of the tray, and carton-supporting surfaces 34 at the upper ends of the posts 16.

The cover 114 includes channel-type beams 136 and 138 connected at opposite ends by transverse channel-type beams 158. The channel-type beams 136, 138 and 158 combine to form a rectangular frame of continuous channel-type beams as clearly seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. The channel-type beams 136 and 138, respectively, include first or outer walls 142 and 142 connected to a transverse top 140 and 140', respectively, which are integral with second or inner walls 144 and 144, respectively. The second walls 144 and 144' are integrally connected at their lower edges to integral members or strut elements 150 which engage on the carton-supporting surfaces 34 of the hollow post 16 of the tray 112. Formed integrally with the second or inner walls 144 and 144' are longitudinally extending arches 154 which extend upwardly from integral members or strut elements 150. The arches 154 have formed therein apertures 152 which are generally in alignment with individual compartments 24.

The transverse or end channel-type beams 158 include transverse, first or outer walls 156, and second or inner walls 160. These second or inner walls 160 comprise a fragmentary portion of the endmost integral strut elements 150 as clearly seen in FIG. 9. The end walls 160 have conveniently formed therein apertures 162 which substantially span the cells or compartments 24 disposed beneath the channel-type beams 158.

It will be noted in this embodiment of the invention that the first or outer Walls of the channel-type beams 136 and 138 are substantially fiat and thus afford a considerable area upon which product-identifying indicia may be applied.

The packaging container of FIGS. 9-13 has all of the structural and functional advantages mentioned in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8 and 33.

Referring to FIG. 9a, container includes a tray 112 similar to the embodiment described in FIGS, 9-16. A cover 114 cooperates with the tray 112 in the manner as described with respect to the previously described embodiments.

The cover 114' includes channel-type beams 136 and 138, respectively, which comprise substantially fiat outer walls 142 and 142 integral with relatively flat end walls 156 (only end wall being shown).

The beams 136' and 138', respectively, include second or inner walls 144 and 144 interrupted by spaced undulated portions 143 and 148' generally comprising the uppermost portion of a peripheral collar 154 and 154, respectively, bordering windows or openings 152 similar to the openings of the previously described embodiments.

In all other major respects, the embodiment of FIG. 9a functions and includes the structural and functional equivalents and advantages of FIGS. 1 and 9.

Referring to FIGS. 17-24, another embodiment of the novel packaging containers is indicated generally at 214) and comprises a tray 212 and a cover 214. In this embodiment, the tray 212 includes hollow posts 215 which differ from the posts of the previously described embodiments in that they extend vertically above a plane generally extending through the upper edge of the outer walls of the tray. The hollow posts 216 include an upper coversupporting surface 234 which is the functional equivalent of the cover-supporting surfaces of the previously described embodiments. The cells or compartments 224 of the tray 212 are disclosed as being similar to those of the previously described embodiments, however, other cell configurations, i.e., different geometrical shapes when viewed in plan, may be utilized.

The cover 214 includes channel-type hollow beams 236 and 233 integrally connected to transverse channel-type beams 253 at opposite ends thereof. The first or outer Walls 242 and 242' are fiat as mentioned with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 9-16. The channel-type beams 236, 238 and 258 form a continuous, rectangular frame about the inner walls of the respective channel-type beams. The second or inner walls 244 and 244 of the beams 236 and 238, respectively, are of a lesser depth than corresponding second or inner walls of the previously described embodiments, and are connected at their lower edges to struts and integral members or portions 250 having a greater transverse length than the corresponding elements or portions 50 and 150 of the previously described embodiments. The transverse elements or portions 250 are engageable on the upper cover-supporting surfaces 232 of the post 216 of the tray when the container is closed. The strut elements 250 are connected by longitudinally extending arch elements or portions 254 which border apertures 252 and generally form a peripheral collar thereabout, The second or inner walls 260 of the channeltype beams 258 comprise a fragmentary portion of the endmost arches and have extending therethrough apertures 262 spanning the underlying cells 224 when the container is closed.

The higher posts in conjunction with the channel-type beams spanning the underlying cells accordingly provide compartment sections in which the fragile articles will be packed and in other respects, with the exception of the distinctions heretofore pointed out, the embodiment of FIGS. 17-24 has the functional and structural advantages of the previously described embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 20a, and comparing the same with FIG. 20, for example, the tray 212 includes a plurality of cells disposed about relatively short hollow posts 216 having an upper surface 234 disposed beneath the general peripheral margin 232 of the tray.

The cover 214 incorporates channel-type beams 236' and 238 as in the previously described embodiments, however, the first or outer walls 243 and 243 of the respective channel-type beams have substantially the same height as the depth of the walls 222' of the tray 212'. The inner walls 245 and 245' of the respective beams, it will be noted have a depth sufiicient to permit the portion 250' to project into the tray 212' below the upper peripheral margin 232 of the tray 212 when the container is closed as seen in FIG. 20a. Additionally, the inner walls and portion 250 have formed therein and extending into the walls 245 and 245' windows or apertures 252 which are surrounded by marginal collars 254 and 254' in the respective second or inner walls of the beams. Likewise, the channel-type beams extending transversely at the ends of the carton, and as indicated at 258' include inner Walls 260 having windows or apertures 262 formed therein to permit viewing access to the endmost adjacent cells of the tray 212'.

Further, considering FIG. 20a with respect to FIG. 20, it will be noted that the transverse hollow ribs or saddles 218' are disposed below the uppermost portion of the relatively short hollow posts 216'. In this embodiment, when the carton is opened, the fragile articles contained in the cells 224', as in all the previously described embodiments, will be readily accessible to be removed from the tray 212.

Referring to FIGS. 25-32, a still further embodiment of the novel packaging container is indicated generally at 410 and comprises sub-containers indicated generally at 411 and 411' each of which including a cellular tray 412 and 412, respectively, and a cover 414 and 414, respectively.

The sub-containers 411 and 411' are integrally produced and are connected at adjacent inner ends by a connecting structure indicated generally at 415.

The cellular trays 412 and 412' include a plurality of compartments or cells 424 and 424', respectively, formed by a hollow longitudinal and transverse partition radiating from hollow posts 416 and 416', respectively. Each of the trays 412 and 412' have hingedly connected at 428 and 428' lock flaps 430 and 430', respectively. Likewise, the covers 414 and 414 are hingedly connected at 426 and 426', respectively, to the edges of the tray opposite the hinge lines 428 and 428', respectively.

The hollow posts 416 and 416', respectively, include upper cover-supporting portions 434 and 434', respectively, and the outer walls 422 and 422 of the respective subcontainers include upper cover-supporting portions 432 and 432' as in the previously described embodiments.

The adjacent edges of the trays 412 and 412' are integrally produced and connected by a lower, tunnel-like connecting structure 417 which has extending transversely therethrough transverse perforations or serrations 419 facilitating separation of the sub-container trays.

The covers 414 and 414', respectively, comprise channel-type, continuous beams 436, 438 and 436' and 438', respectively. Opposite ends of the channel-type continuous beams 436, 438 and 436', 438 are respectively connected to continuous transverse channel-type beams 458 and 459 and 458' and 459, respectively. The channel-type continuous beams 436, 438, 458 and 459 and 436', 438, 458 and 459' respectively combine to form rectangular frames about the second or inner wall structure of the beams as in the previously described embodiments. The second or inner walls of the respective beams are connected by transverse integral members or strut elements 450', respectively, as in the previously described embodiments and include therein apertures 452 and 452', respectively, formed in arches or hoods 454 and 454'. The first or outer walls 456 and 456' of the adjacent channels 459 and 459, respectively, have integrally connected thereto a transversely disposed arch-like structure 421 incorporating therein a transverse perforated or serrated line 423 facilitating separation of the respective covers 414 and 414.

It will be generally noted that the embodiments of FIGS. 25-32 comprise at least four of the channel-type continuous beams 436, 438, 436' and 438' and at least four of the transverse channel-type continuous beams 458, 459 and 458 and 459'.

Considering FIGS. 25a-28a, this embodiment of the novel packaging container as indicated generally at 510 comprises sub-containers indicated generally at 511 and 511. The containers 511 and 511, respectively, include a lower tray 512 and 512 and cooperating cover 514 and 514, respectively. The trays 512 and 512' respectively include modified or different type cells 524 as is clearly apparent from FIGS. 25a and 26a, for example.

The outer configuration of the covers 514 and 514' generally conform to the structure disclosed in FIGS. 1-8, for example, and further description in this respect is believed to be unnecessary. However, provided between the sub-containers 511 and 511' is a connecting structure indicated generally at 515.

The connecting structure 515 comprises a flange portion 517 integral with both trays 512 and 512', and has extending transversely therethrough a weakened or serrated line 519 facilitating separation of the respective trays of the sub-containers. Likewise, the covers 514 and 514' are produced with an integral, substantially flat flange 521 therebetween through which extends a transverse weakened, serrated or perforated line 523 facilitating separation of the covers 514 and 514' when the sub-containers are produced.

Each of the sub-containers, as in the previously described embodiments, incorporates longitudinally extending channel-type beams 536, 538 and 536 and 538' on the sub-containers 511 and 511, respectively. It will be noted that sub-containers 511 and 511' substantially conform in appearance to the embodiment of the invention described in detail in FIGS. 18, and further specific description of the channel-type beams, etc., is apparently unnecessary. Briefly, the inner and outer walls of the channel-type beams include scallops or undulated portions produced in the outer margins of the top walls as in FIG. 1, for example.

Referring to the configuration of the cells 524, for example, it will be noted that the cells are produced by integral, vertically extending and angularly directed planar and arcuate segments formed integral with the transverse and longitudinal partitions or ribs radiating from the tray posts 516 and 516 in the respective subcontainers.

Referring to FIG. 25b, a still further modified container is indicated generally at 610 and comprises separable sub-containers 611 and 611'. The sub-containers 611 and 611' are integrally connected by connecting structure indicated generally at 615, having transverse weakened or perforated portions extending therethrough in both the cover and the tray which have relatively flat and overlying flange portions. The connecting structure 615 is substantially identical to that shown in FIGS. 25a and 26a and further explanation is apparently unnecessary.

Respective sub-containers 611 and 611' include a tray 612 and 612', respectively, cooperating with covers 614 and 614' as in the previously described embodiments. The covers 614 and 614' of the respective sub-containers include relatively flat outer walls in both the longitudinally and transversely extending channel-type beams. In this regard, the outer appearance of the subcontainers has the general appearance of the previously described embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 17, for example. The inner walls of these sub-containers have the same general appearance of the inner walls shown and described with respect to FIG. 17, for example.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 2532, it will be noted that the outer wall of the respective sub-container chan- 1 l nel type beams is scalloped or undulated and similar to the outer walls of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-8. However, it will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art that the first or outer walls of the continuous channeltype beams disclosed in FIGS. 25-32 may be flat as mentioned with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 9 24, and as particularly shown in FIG. 25b, for example.

The embodiments of the invention include hollow channel-type beams in their container structure and related connecting structure afi'ording great protection for fragile articles oriented at their lower ends in a cellular tray and oriented at their upper ends in the hollow channeltype beams which beams have great resistance to deflection and are windowed at their inner or second side to afford a clear and desirable view of the fragile articles disposed in the packaging containers.

It is to be considered in accordance with the instant invention to provide a packaging container including a lower or tray section and an upper or cover section wherein the articles to be contained are displayed in an advantageous manner through window formations in the cover and wherein the articles are oriented at their bottom ends by a cellular or compartmented formation in the tray and oriented at their upper ends by a partially rotated C or inverted U-shaped section beamed structure, and wherein said beamed structure includes two such beams axially spaced from each other and extending in generally the same direction and wherein one wall of one such beam is connected to an opposed and corresponding wall of another such beam by a series of spaced elements providing for window areas between such links through which articles to be contained may be viewed and wherein such window areas are located entirely below the top of the cover so that the articles behind such window areas are protected from injury.

In all of the embodiments of the invention, all of the inner walls of the respective container covers in clude a collar portion or hood over an arched opening which serves as a bumper or fender to protect the fragile articles within the channel-type beams of the container cover. Further, as highlighted in FIG. 34, and with respect to the outline of the egg or fragile article shown in phantom lines, the present construction of the covers of these cartons impresses upon one observing the fragile articles in the containers the true size of the article which has been packaged. By having the windows or openings extending into the second walls of the op posed channel beams and/or partially into the top wall, not only is one afforded a clear view of one compartment cell, but is afforded a clear vision of the articles in two adjacent cells aiding one viewing the articles to make an immediate comparison of the articles in the respective adjacent cells. Not only is superior articleviewing provided, but as previously described, this superior viewing is a product of a more superior structurally integral cover.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

What is claimed is:

1. A packaging container for fragile articles comprising a tray, a cover including a top for disposition in overlying protecting relation on said tray and permitting ready access to the contents of the tray,

said tray including a plurality of hollow posts integral with hollow partitions integral with an outer wall defining compartments surrounding said posts,

said posts and outer wall of said tray including upper,

cover-supporting portions for receiving forces imposed on said cover and transmitted to and through said tray when the container is closed,

said cover including a plurality of channel-type hollow beams, axially spaced from each other, and extendi2 ing in the same general direction and each continuously spanning at least two adjacent compartments, said channel-type beams each including as integral members a continuous portion of the top of the cover and continuous spaced first and second walls spair ning at least two adjacent compartments and extending below said cover top portion, when the container is closed, the second walls of each of said channel-type beams including integral vertical-stress transmitting transverse portions adjacent the lower parts thereof which transverse portions engage the upper, cover-supporting portions of the posts when said cover is closed,

said second walls having vertical-stress transmitting spaced portions, and windows therebetween which are below the top of the cover when the container is closed,

said cover including outer marginal transverse members integral with and connecting said channel-type beams to form therewith a complete outer margin for the cover, the outer margin of said cover including lower portions, when the container is closed engageable on the upper, cover-supporting portions of said tray outer wall.

2. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 in which the channel-type hollow beams are each of C- section in which the vertical side of the C is disposed horizontally in the cover top when the container is closed and the bottom and top portions of the C depend downwardly from the cover top so that said channel-type beams are relatively stiff and have relatively great resistance to deflection.

3. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 in which integral transverse portions extending from each second wall of each of two channel-type hollow beams are connected together at their lower parts to form at this connection an integral vertical-stress transmitting transverse portion for engaging the upper, cover-supporting portion of a post, one window extending into both of said second walls.

4. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the second walls of two adjacent channel-type beams are in opposed relation and integral transverse portions extending from said second walls are integral with each other and the windows are generally elliptically shaped so that correspondingly shaped portions of articles in said container may be viewed therethrough when the container is closed.

5. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said windows are aligned with said compartments and are between adjacent cover-supporting portions of the posts.

6. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein each window is bordered by a marginal collar portion projecting from said second wall and in a direction away from said first wall.

7. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cover includes at its ends transversely extending channel-type beams which cooperate with said first mentioned channel-type beams to form a closed rectangular frame of channel-type beams, said transverse channel-type beams continuously spanning at least two adjacent compartments when said container is closed.

8. A packaging container as set forth in claim 7 wherein said transverse channel-type beams include a cover top portion and first and second walls depending therefrom, said second walls having portions formed integral with transverse portions extending from the second walls of two first-mentioned channel-type beams.

9. A packaging container as set forth in claim 3 wherein the portion extending from a second wall of a transverse channel-type beam has a window-like opening formed therein.

10. A packaging container as set forth in claim 9 wherein the window-like opening in the portion extending from the second wall of the transverse channel-type beam is relatively wide so that it spans at least a portion of each of two adjacent compartments.

11. A packaging container as set forth in claim 7 wherein said container includes at least four of said first channel-type beams and at least four of said transverse channel-type beams and wherein some of said channeltype beams are in alignment with each other, separable connecting means between said channel-beams in alignment with each other whereby said container may be separated between the aligned channel-type beams to form a plurality of subcontainers.

12. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 in which one of the walls of said channel-type beams is undulated in form with space-d undulations in alignment with compartments of said tray.

13. A packaging container as set forth in claim 12 in which the first and second walls of said channel-type beams are undulating in form with spaced undulations in alignment with compartments in said tray and with the undulations so arranged that directly over the compartments of said tray the distance between said first and second walls is greater than the distance between said first and second walls in the location between said compartments.

14. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the first walls of said channel-type beams are generally fiat.

15. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper cover supporting portions of the hollow posts are generally disposed in a plane coincident with a plane passed through the upper cover supporting portions of said tray outer wall.

16. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 in which the upper supporting portion of a post is disposed above the cover supporting portions of said tray outer wall.

17. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 in which the upper supporting portion of a post is disposed below the cover supporting portions of said tray outer wall.

18. A packaging container as set forth in claim 1 wherein the portions extending from the second walls of the channel-type beams which engage the upper cover supporting portions of the tray are integrally connected to the top of said channel-type beams by arch elements, wherein lower portions of two adjacent arch elements engage one cover supporting post of the tray.

19. A packaging container as set forth in claim 18 wherein the space under each of said arch elements forms a discrete Window in alignment with a compartment therebetween.

20. A packaging container as set forth in claim 8 wherein the tray of said container has two rows of six compartments each and wherein two of said first-mentioned channel-type beams span at least four of said compartments in a single row and wherein said transverse channel-type beams span said two rows when said container is closed and wherein the tops of all the channeltype beams are in the same plane and wherein extensions from the second walls of said channel-type beams engage five posts in said tray and wherein windows are provided in said second walls so that articles in each of said twelve compartments may be viewed.

21. In a packaging container for fragile articles for use with a compartmented tray, the improvement comprising a cover for disposition in overlying, protecting relation on said tray and permitting ready access to the tray contents, said cover including a top, said cover including a plurality of channel-type hollow beams, spaced from each other and extending in the same general direction for continuously spanning at least two adjacent compartments of a cooperating tray, said channel-type beams each including as integral members a continuous portion of the top of the cover and continuous spaced first and second walls for spanning at least two adjacent compartments, said integral members comprising a continuous portion of the top of the cover extending below said cover top portion, the second walls .of each of said channel-type beams including integral, stress-transmitting transverse portions adjacent the lower parts of said second walls, said second walls having stress-transmitting, spaced portions, and windows therebetween each extending transversely of said beams for affording simultaneous viewing of articles in two transverse adjacent compartments when the container cover is disposed in overlying, protecting relation on a tray, said cover including outer marginal transverse members integral with and connecting said channel-type beams to form therewith the complete outer margin for the cover, the outer margin of said cover including lower portions for engaging upper, cover-supporting portions of a tray outer wall when the cover is disposed on an underlying tray.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 168,664 1/1953 Van Dyke 58-43 1,991,424 2/ 1935 Sherman 22928 2,009,874 7/1935 Cauley 229-29 2,061,064 11/1936 De Reamer 22929 2,560,847 7/1951 Chaplin 2292.5 2,591,446 4/1952 Lennon 229-2.5 2,978,162 4/1961 Lambert 2292.5 3,129,866 4/1964 Wade 229-2.5 3,327,918 6/1967 White 2292.5

FOREIGN PATENTS 797,479 7/ 1958 Great Britain.

DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner. 

1. A PACKING CONTAINER FOR FRAGILE ARTICLE COMPRISING A TRAY, A COVER INCLUDING A TOP FOR DISPOSITION IN OVERLYING PROTECTING RELATION ON SAID TRAY AND PERMITTING READY ACCESS TO THE CONTENTS OF THE TRAY, SAID TRAY INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF HOLLOW POSTS INTEGRAL WITH HOLLOW PARTITIONS INTEGRAL WITH AN OUTER WALL DEFINING COMPARTMENTS SURROUNDING SAID POSTS, SAID POSTS AND OUTER WALL OF SAID TRAY INCLUDING UPPER, COVER-SUPPORTING PORTIONS FOR RECEIVING FORCES IMPOSED ON SAID COVER AND TRANSMITTED TO AND THROUGH SAID TRAY WHEN THE CONTAINER IS CLOSED, SAID COVER INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF CHANNEL-TYPE HOLLOW BEAMS, AXIALLY SPACED FROM EACH OTHER, AND EXTENDING IN THE SAME GENERAL DIRECTION AND EACH CONTINUOUSLY SPANNING AT LEAST TWO ADJACENT COMPARTMENTS, SAID CHANNEL-TYPE BEAMS EACH INCLUDING AS INTEGRAL MEMBERS A CONTINUOUS PORTION OF THE TOP OF THE COVER AND CONTINUOUS SPACED FIRST AND SECOND WALLS SPANING AT LEAST TWO ADJACENT COMPARTMENTS AND EXTENDING BELOW SAID COVER TOP PORTION, WHEN THE CONTAINER IS CLOSED, 